Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton
Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-LambtonThe Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton was established in 1986 by a group of local volunteers. “The first meeting was held in Petrolia at Twilight Haven Home for the Aged which is now known as Lambton Meadowview Villa. Dorothea Rivett was a driving force for the Society. If it wasn’t for her and the rest of the volunteers, this chapter wouldn’t be where it is today,” says Chief Executive Officer, Melanie Bouck. In 1993, they incorporated as a registered non-profit organization and established a new Board of Directors. At the same time, they relocated from Petrolia to an office in Point Edward. Today, they reside in The Chris Dawson Centre, located at 420 East Street North.
Throughout the years, the Society has grown not only in terms of people power but also in programming. “We started out with a couple of staff members and now have nine program staff who work within the office and sixteen personal support workers, providing respite care. We have really grown over the last few years,” says team member, Christine Wright. Programs are meant to change, grow, and expand as dictated by the needs of the community. “While we are funded in part by the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), we rely on special events, grants, donations, bequests, and in-memoriam donations to provide our programs and services. All donations stay local.”
One of the newest events that has quickly gained community attention is the Alzheimer Society’s Home Improvement – Kitchen Edition Lottery. “The lottery was launched in May of 2021 and was wildly popular,” says Marie Marcy-Smids, Manager of Fund Development and Communications. Ticket purchasers have a chance to win a $50,000 custom kitchen. The first draw took place in February 2022, and the raffle is making its return with a 2023 upcoming draw date.
“We were fortunate to be able to partner with seven very community-minded local businesses who agreed to donate products and services,” shares Marcy-Smids. The title sponsor, Sarnia Cabinets, is providing $22,500 for design, install and cabinetry. Other vendors include Pete’s Plumbing, Progressive Countertops, Burdett Electric, Twin Bridge Lighting, Custom Floors Carpet One, Northend Appliance, and Bigras Painting. “The inaugural year of the lottery netted the Society over $70,000; we are hoping to generate $85,000 this year,” says Marcy-Smids.
The timeline for the lottery is more condensed this year with the launch occurring at the Brigden Fair in October. Tickets are available at various outlets as well as at the Alzheimer Society's booth at Lambton Mall. Tickets can be purchased online as well as from the Alzheimer Society website.
Tickets are $50.00 and the draw will take place on February 16th at Lambton Mall.
Related Stories
The Book Keeper
A newspaper clipping from The Book Keeper's grand opening on September 27, 1980 hangs on the wall in Susan Chamberlain's office. The store's history is often front-of-mind for her. The Book Keeper originally opened in Northgate Plaza and has moved to different locations within the plaza throug
Since September 2011, Chef Paresh Thakkar has been serving up delicious food from Personal Touch Eatery & Catering. Opening his own business gave him the creative freedom to cook unique dishes with global flavours. I watched my Mom and Grandma cook and learned by how they did things. There wa
Hashtag Local
Ruth Francoeur and Moulan Bourke may be from different generations, but they share a similar love and passion for the stage. More specifically, for teaching youngsters the magic of performing. "I met my husband, Norm, through the Sarnia Little Theatre in 1987," Ruth says. "He was doing a show
Bluewater Power
On November 27, 1916 Sarnia City Council created the Sarnia Hydro-Electric Commission to supply power to Sarnia's residents. Their original office was located at 201 Front Street North. As the city grew, so too did its need for electricity, and the Commission continued to expand in order to meet l
Related Stories
The Grove Soap Co
For Liana Smith, owner of The Grove Soap Co., starting her own business began with the alignment of three key moments in 2018. Following the birth of her second son, her time and space for creativity had become noticeably absent, she was becoming increasingly focused on building an eco-friendly all-
Crystal Tilson loved her job at Crock A Doodle so much that she bought the franchise. "I have been here for five years and I purchased the franchise three years ago," Crystal says. "I have always been an entrepreneur and I absolutely love this business. It's a fun business environment and a gr
Vision Nursing & Rest Home
In 1974, a group of Sarnia business people came together to establish Vision 74 Inc., a non-profit charitable organization that would be of service to the community. The group built Vision Nursing home in 1974 with 60 long-term care beds at 229 Wellington Street. The long-term care beds increased
Christo's
Chris Skillas learned what it took to run a restaurant from his dad, Nick, who owned Lee's Snackhouse on Campbell Street for over thirty years. "I started in the family business when I was a kid. I would wash dishes and flip bacon...